Alexis Ohanian Joins Project Liberty’s Bid for TikTok’s US Operations

Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, has officially joined Project Liberty, a group led by Frank McCourt, in an effort to acquire TikTok’s US operations. The initiative aims to integrate blockchain technology into the platform, giving users more control over their data. Ohanian, a strong advocate for digital ownership, shared on social media that he believes users should own their data and creators should control their audiences. This aligns with Project Liberty’s broader mission of reshaping digital platforms.

The plan revolves around “Frequency”, a decentralized social network protocol built on Polkadot’s infrastructure. This system would transfer data ownership from corporations to users, promoting transparency and control. If implemented, it could revolutionize the way social media platforms function.

Frank McCourt, the driving force behind the bid, has emphasized that TikTok’s future should be shaped by creators, not large tech companies. Branding the effort as “The People’s Bid”, he aims to establish a user-focused digital space that prioritizes privacy and data ownership.

Growing Scrutiny and an Uncertain Future

This move comes as ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, faces increasing pressure from US regulators over security concerns. Authorities have urged the company to divest its US operations, though ByteDance has not confirmed any plans to sell.

Ohanian’s background in blockchain technology strengthens Project Liberty’s case. Under his leadership, Reddit experimented with blockchain-backed avatars and cryptocurrency initiatives. His involvement suggests that a successful bid could lead to a major transformation in TikTok’s structure, potentially reshaping the social media landscape by empowering users with greater control over their online presence.

However, significant legal and financial hurdles remain, and it is uncertain whether Project Liberty’s bid will gain traction. As regulatory debates continue, TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain.